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This paper aims to investigate how best to classify money laundering through online video games (i.e. virtual laundering). Currently, there is no taxonomy available for scholars and practitioners to refer to when discussing money laundering through online video games. Without a well-defined taxonomy it becomes difficult to reason through, formulate and implement effective regulatory measures, policies and security controls. As such, efforts to prevent and reduce virtual laundering incidence rates are hampered.

This paper proposes three mutually exclusive virtual laundering categorizations. However, instead of fixating on the processes undergirding individual instances of virtual laundering, it is argued that focusing on the initial locale of the illicit proceeds provides the appropriate framing within which to classify instances of virtual laundering. Thus, the act of classification becomes an ontological endeavour, rather than an attempt at elucidating an inherently varied process (as is common of the placement, layering and integration model).

A taxonomy is proposed that details three core virtual laundering processes. It is demonstrated how different virtual laundering categories have varied levels of associated risk, and thus, demand unique interventions.

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first taxonomy available in the knowledge base that systematically classifies instances of virtual laundering. The taxonomy is available for scholars and practitioners to use and apply when discussing how to regulate and formulate legislation, policies and appropriate security controls.

The present study aims to systematically synthesize the academic and industrial literature on multi-central bank digital currencies (m-CBDCs) arrangements.

The study adopted a unique multivocal literature review methodology that considers both white and grey literature. For white literature searches, the study relied on Scopus, Web of Science (WOS), and Google Scholar bibliometric databases; for grey literature searches, the study used the Google search engine.

The findings of the study illustrated that M-CBDC arrangements, through various design options, have the potential to revolutionize the contemporary international payment system. M-CBDC arrangements will lead to more integrated financial systems and promote economic growth. However, m-CBDC arrangements will also have serious macroeconomic implications, such as contagion and currency substitution risks.

The present review is one of the earliest reviews of m-CBDC arrangements. In addition, the findings of the study offer valuable insights for both academicians and policymakers.

The study is also one of the pioneer studies in management studies that apply a multivocal literature review methodology.

The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) in light of the increasing demand for digital payments globally. It aims to assess the global research landscape, methodologies and data utilized in CBDC studies as their popularity grows.

The paper employs a systematic literature review (SLR) framework, utilizing the Scopus database to identify 323 studies related to Central Bank Digital Currency or CBDC. Through a thorough manual screening process, 169 studies were selected for inclusion. The research employs R, Biblioshiny and Excel for data evaluation, classifying the studies into three methodological categories: quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches. This classification allows for a detailed assessment of the research techniques and data used in the literature on CBDCs.

The findings include a diverse range of research methodologies and data employed in CBDCs literature, highlighting the growing interest and depth of academic investigation into this area. By categorizing papers according to research technique, the study provides a comprehensive evaluation of the academic landscape regarding CBDC research. It offers valuable insights for researchers, policymakers and stakeholders, contributing to an enhanced understanding of the complexities and opportunities presented by the development and implementation of CBDCs.

This study’s originality lies in its rigorous and transparent methodology for data from CBDC studies, offering a solid framework for future research. By evaluating global research growth within an SLR framework and categorizing studies by research technique, it contributes uniquely to the academic discourse on digital currencies. The paper provides a critical resource for researchers, lawmakers and stakeholders, enriching the knowledge base on CBDCs and supporting informed decision-making in the context of digital financial innovation.

In the evolving landscape of global remittances, this study systematically explores cryptocurrency's transformative impact on remittance services through a comprehensive literature review and bibliometric analysis.

Through meticulous PRISMA-guided analysis, the research identifies cryptocurrency technology as a pivotal force in enhancing remittance efficiency, reducing costs and broadening access contributing significantly to financial inclusion.

Findings revealed that cryptocurrency technology could significantly enhance remittance services, offering improved efficiency, reduced costs and increased accessibility. This suggests a transformative potential for financial inclusion, presenting a compelling case for broader adoption and regulatory support to leverage these benefits effectively.

By integrating recent research, this work underlines the urgent need for broader adoption and regulatory support to leverage these benefits effectively. It offers novel insights for institutions and policymakers, highlighting the potential for technology adoption in remittances to enhance financial inclusivity.

More cryptocurrency studies are needed to concentrate on remittance markets. Thus, this investigation constitutes a unique addition to the field. Additional investigation in this domain presents significant possibilities for future exploration and progress.

This study aims to scrutinize time-varying return and volatility interlinkages among major cryptocurrencies, NFT tokens and DeFi assets between 1 July 2018 and 19 February 2023 and determine optimal portfolio allocations and hedging effectiveness under different portfolio construction techniques.

This work examines time-varying return and volatility interlinkages among major cryptocurrencies, NFT tokens, and DeFi assets between 1 July 2018 and 19 February 2023. To this end, the time-varying parameter-vector autoregression (TVP-VAR)-based connectedness methodology of Antonakakis et al. (2020) This approach is an extended version of the Diebold–Yilmaz (DY) method (Diebold and Yılmaz, 2014) and has advantages over the original DY. First, unlike the DY, it is free of the selection of a particular window size. Second, it has robustness for the outliers. Furthermore, following Broadstock et al. (2022), the author estimates time-varying optimal portfolio weights and hedging effectiveness under different portfolio construction scenarios.

This study's results indicate the following results: (1) The overall connectedness indices prominently capture well-known financial/geopolitical distress incidents; (2) the leading cryptocurrencies (ETH, BTC and BNB) are the largest transmitter of return shocks, while LINK and BTC are the largest transmitters/recipients of volatility shocks; (3) cryptocurrencies, NFTs and DeFi form distinct cluster groups in terms of return and volatility connectedness; (4) the connectedness networks estimated around the 2022 cryptocurrency crash and the FTX's filing for the bankruptcy are characterized by the strongest return and volatility interlinkages; (5) optimal portfolio strategies computed by different portfolio construction techniques display similar motifs and have sustained growth paths except for some short-lived drop backs.

This study's findings imply several policy suggestions for investors, stakeholders and policymakers. First, the study's time-based dynamic interlinkages can help market participants in their optimal portfolio decisions. In particular, the persistent net receiving roles of the DeFi assets and the NFTs throughout the episode, especially around the financial/geopolitical turmoil, underpin their safe haven potentials (Umar et al., 2022a, b). Finally, since the total connectedness indices (TCIs) are prone to significantly increase around financial/geopolitical burst times, these tools can be valuable for policy makers to monitor risk.

The contribution of knowledge is at least threefold. First, the author focuses on the dynamic time interlinkages among major cryptocurrencies, NFTs and DeFi assets in July 2018 and February 2023 considering the prominent recent financial/geopolitical incidents. Second, the author estimates network topologies of dynamic connectedness around financial/geopolitical bursts and compared them in terms of interlinkages. Finally, the author calculates the time-varying optimal portfolio allocations and hedging effectiveness under different portfolio construction techniques.

This paper assesses the co-movement between Pax gold and six fiat currencies. It also investigates the optimal time-varying hedge ratios in order to examine the properties of Pax gold as a diversifier and hedge asset.

This paper examines the volatility spillover between Pax gold and fiat currencies using the framework of wavelet analysis, BEKK-GARCH models and Range DCC-GARCH. Moreover, this paper proposes to use the covariance and variance structure obtained from the new range DCC-GARCH framework to estimate the time-varying optimal hedge ratios, the optimal weighs and the hedging effectiveness.

Wavelet coherence method reveals that, at low frequency, large zone of co-movements appears for the pairs Pax gold/EUR, Pax gold/JPY and Pax gold/RUB. Further, the BEKK results show unidirectional (bidirectional) transmission effects between Pax gold and EUR, GBP, JPY and CNY (INR, RUB) fiat currencies. Moreover, the Range DCC results show that the Pax gold and the fiat currency returns are weakly correlated with low coefficients close to zero. Thus, Pax gold seems to serve as a safe haven asset against the systematic risk of fiat currency markets. In addition, the results of optimal weights show that rational investor should invest more in Pax gold and less in fiat currencies. Concerning the hedge ratios results, the findings reveal that the INR (JPY) fiat currency appears to be the most expensive (cheapest) hedge for the Pax-gold market. However, the JPY’s fiat currency appears to be the cheapest one. As for hedging effectiveness results, the authors found that hedging strategies including fiat currencies–Pax gold pairs are most likely to sharply decrease the portfolio’s risk.

A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Pax Gold and fiat currencies is crucial for refining portfolio strategies involving cryptocurrencies. This research underscores the significance of grasping volatility transmissions between these currencies, providing valuable insights to guide investors in their decision-making processes. Moreover, it encourages further exploration into the interdependencies of digital currencies. Additionally, this study sheds light on effective contagion risk management, particularly during crises such as Covid-19 and the Russia–Ukraine conflict. It underscores the role of Pax Gold as a safe-haven asset and offers practical guidance for adjusting portfolios across various economic conditions. Ultimately, this research advances our comprehension of Pax Gold’s risk-return profile, positioning it as a potential hedge during periods of uncertainty, thereby contributing to the evolving literature on cryptocurrencies.

This study’s primary value lies in its pioneering empirical examination of the time-varying correlations and scale dependence between Pax Gold and fiat currencies. It goes beyond by determining optimal time-varying hedge ratios through the innovative Range-DCC-GARCH model, originally introduced by Molnár (2016) and distinguished by its incorporation of both low and high prices. Significantly, this analysis unfolds within the unique context of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Russian–Ukrainian conflict, marking a novel contribution to the field.

The description of “blockchain banking”, the determination of “the sub-processes” of “blockchain banking” as a “business process”, and the assessment of “maturity level” in Parsian Bank.

Theoretical sources on “blockchain banking” were initially investigated. Then the “sub-processes” of “blockchain banking” as a “business process” were extracted by Parsian Bank's experts through the “Delphi method”. Next, the “sequence” of the “sub-processes” was determined by means of the “AHP”. Eventually, Parsian Bank's maturity levels for all the sub-processes as well as the overall maturity level were specified on the basis of the “CMMI” V1.3 in order for Business Process Management (BPM).

Blockchain banking’ combines traditional banking with cryptocurrencies, which can be provided by merging “hybrid e-wallet” with “bank account” and “bank card” – all together as “crypto bank account”. Plus, “hybrid e-wallet” is a form of mobile e-wallet on blockchain that supports both cryptocurrencies and traditional currencies in the same platform by which the purchase and sale of cryptocurrencies are possible. Besides, “Blockchain banking service” can also be offered within the framework of “open banking” aligned with “open innovation” through a FinTech (or a beta bank) in collaboration with a licensed bank via “open API”, which is called “blockchain banking based on FinTech”. At last, the eight sub-processes of “blockchain banking” were determined and Parsian Bank's “maturity level” was specified.

This is the very first practical guide to “blockchain banking service”.

The purpose of this study is to discover the motivating factors for cryptocurrency investment during an economic crisis in the MENA region, with reference to the economic crisis of 2019–2022, in Lebanon.

The authors used t-test, and logistic regressions on a sample of 254 Lebanese investors to differentiate between cryptocurrency investors, and non-investors. Linear regressions of a subsample of cryptocurrency investors determined the factors that explained increasing cash investment in cryptocurrencies. Data were collected from investors in Lebanon, which could limit the generalization of the research results across the MENA region.

Investors differed from non-investors in that they were male, owned investments in the stock, bond and commodity markets, had prior investment experience in cryptocurrencies, were risk-takers and had expectations of high returns. Investors increased the dollar investment in cryptocurrencies, if they were male, as they invested more funds in securities, had previously invested in cryptocurrencies and had stronger risk-taking propensity. Expectations of high returns drove investors to cryptocurrencies, but such expectations do not stimulate further cryptocurrency investment.

This study is an initial attempt to comprehend the reactions of investors in the MENA region to a currency crisis that triggered investment in cryptocurrencies following the collapse of fiat currencies, central bank default and restrictions on bank withdrawals.

We aim to conduct a bibliometric analysis that explores and maps quantitative data of the emerging field of central bank digital currencies in science and its implications in practice. We seek to clarify the underlying research structures and streams of the new phenomena, and our motivation is the rising number of pilots between governments seeking to implement different types of central bank digital currency.

We designed the unique set of keywords to explore ongoing projects on central bank digital currencies and the evolution of scientific thought on the topic. We conducted a descriptive analysis and an evaluating bibliometric analysis on the timeline from 2018 to April 18, 2023 and investigated 76 articles in the Web of Science database and 152 articles in the Scopus database using VOSviewer.

We highlight three main directions of discourse on central bank digital currencies in economics using authors keyword analysis, that are: (1) cash, (2) monetary policy and (3) financial stability. We conducted a map-based text analysis of the abstracts and identified the following main streams of discussion in the field: (1) policy-related research on financial systems, (2) a comprehensive review of the design and features of central bank digital currencies and (3) research on the impact of central bank digital currencies on the banking system.

The unique set of keywords allows us to continue the discourse on central bank digital currencies including implications of ongoing governmental projects on the topic and provide directions for future research. We brought the focus on the impact of central bank digital currencies on the banking sector and the new possible order for cash, deposits and payments.

This paper aims to present a comprehensive overview of the emergence and significance of digital payments, focusing on their impact on competitiveness and the need for policy interventions. In addition, it explores the design of policies that promote the adoption of digital payments, highlighting the benefits they offer to providers and users.

The paper examines the technological advances that have driven the growth of digital payment systems. It identifies key requirements for successful adoption and discusses the associated risks, along with potential strategies to mitigate these risks.

The findings emphasize the importance of responsible implementation and safeguarding the well-being of end users to fully realize the benefits of digital payment adoption. Understanding the inherent risks and establishing effective risk mitigation mechanisms are crucial. This necessitates the development of appropriate infrastructure to support the provision of digital payment services.

More research is needed to gain deeper insights into how emerging global trends in financial technology should be analyzed and understood by policymakers, service providers and users.

The findings of this study can guide policymakers, private sector managers and consumers in comprehending the effects of emerging digitalization trends and determining their adoption responses accordingly.

This paper stands out as one of the few research contributions that provide comprehensive and actionable policy recommendations to facilitate a smooth transition to a digital payments ecosystem that benefits all stakeholders.